National Security Advisor Ajit Doval recently engaged in discussions with top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi to address bilateral ties between India and China. The meeting took place during the Friends of BRICS meeting held in South Africa.

Wang Yi serves as the director of the office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China Central Committee. This significant meeting followed External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's recent discussion with Wang in Jakarta, where they addressed outstanding issues concerning peace and tranquility in the border areas, as reported by The Hindu.

The India-China military standoff, which has persisted for over three years, has been acknowledged by Jaishankar as one of the most challenging situations he has encountered in his diplomatic career. India has consistently emphasized that normalizing the bilateral relationship is contingent upon achieving peace in the border area.

During the meeting with Ajit Doval, Wang Yi underscored the necessity for enhanced strategic mutual trust, consensus, and cooperation between both nations. He stressed the importance of overcoming obstacles swiftly and restoring sound and stable development in bilateral relations, as reported by China's state-run news agency Xinhua.

In addition, Wang Yi made it clear that China has no intentions of seeking hegemony and is prepared to collaborate with developing countries, including India, to support multilateralism and the democratisation of international relations. Furthermore, China aims to promote a more just and equitable development of the international order.

Earlier, during the Friends of BRICS meeting, Ajit Doval emphasized the significance of collective efforts to address cybersecurity challenges. As part of this, the National Security Advisor participated in several bilateral discussions with counterparts from BRICS countries and Friends of BRICS countries.

Looking ahead, South Africa is set to host the BRICS Summit next month, bringing together Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This summit serves as a crucial platform for these nations to convene and deliberate on various issues of mutual interest.

In conclusion, the meeting between NSA Ajit Doval and Chinese diplomat Wang Yi in Johannesburg marks a vital step towards addressing the complex issues affecting the bilateral relationship between India and China. Both sides are keen on enhancing strategic trust and cooperation while striving to achieve peace in the border area. The forthcoming BRICS Summit in South Africa presents an opportune moment for these nations to foster dialogue and collaboration on critical global challenges.

Image source: ET